Monday: God’s Provision for the Poor
In their writings, the Bible’s authors included many of God’s provisions for the poor, the strangers, the widows, and the fatherless. We have records of this all the way back to Mount Sinai. “Six years you shall sow your land and gather in its produce, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave, the beasts of the field may eat. In like manner you shall do with your vineyard and your olive grove” (Exodus 23:10-11, , NKJV).
Read Leviticus 23:22 and Deuteronomy 15:11. However different the context may be from our lives today, what principles should we take away from these verses?
Image © Lifeway Collection at Goodsalt.com
It generally is understood that “brother” here refers to fellow Israelites or fellow believers. We also think of them as the worthy poor or “the least of these My brethren.” The Psalms give direction on how we should treat those in need. “Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; free them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82:3-4, , NKJV). This passage indicates our involvement in ways beyond just providing food.
Then there are promises to those who help the needy. “He who gives to the poor will not lack” (Proverbs 28:27, NKJV). “The king who judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever” (Proverbs 29:14, NKJV). And King David noted, “Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble” (Psalm 41:1, NKJV). This, then, always had been a priority in ancient Israel even if, at times, it had been lost sight of.
In contrast, even in more modern times, particularly in England, under the impact of what has been known as “Social Darwinism,” many thought that not only was there no moral imperative to help the poor but that it was, in fact, wrong to do so. Instead, following the forces of nature, in which the strong survive at the expense of the weak, “Social Darwinists” believed that it would be detrimental to society to help the poor, the sickly, the indigent because, if they multiplied, they would only weaken the social fabric of the nation as a whole. However cruel, this thinking was the logical outgrowth of belief in evolution and the false narrative it proclaims.
| How should the gospel, the idea that Christ died for everyone, impact how we treat everyone, regardless of who they are? |
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I mentioned in my feature article on Hebrew https://ssnet.org/blog/tithing-a-hebrew-perspective/ that a significant part of the system was to care for the poor. Not only was there a special extra tithe (Maaser Ani) for the poor in third and sixth year of the tithing cycle, they were also expected to use part of the feasting tithe (Maaser Sheni) with the poor and needy. It was not a case of just giving them something; they were to invite them to share in the festivities. On top of that, the seventh year was the Sabbath year and any produce produced in that year was to be shared with everybody. Further, debts and bondage of fellow Hebrews were to be forgiven.
And outside the tithing cycle, food producers were expected to leave the corners of their crops for the destitute, the widows, and orphans.
When you read the Torah, you come away with the idea that those, who for whatever reason, found themselves in a hard place were to be looked after by those who had plenty. And if you read the minor prophets, one of the first things to go when the Hebrews apostatised was their care for the needy. The two great laws; love God, and love your neighbour have deep roots in the Old Testament. Worshiping God comes with compassion for the needy. One of the best arguments we have against evolution, and its competitive approach to development, is our care and compassion for the weak and needy in our community.
In our modern day, we have welfare systems run or financed by the government (from our taxes). Does that mean that we no longer have to give to the poor and needy as freely as the Hebrews were asked? For one reason or another, government systems often leave gaps. One of the serious problems is that while money is available, personnel for providing the human touch and a listening ear are often limited resources. That is where we can give beyond cash by adding that personal touch to answering the prayers of the needy.
The gospel message, that Christ died for everyone, is a message of unconditional love and grace. It teaches us that every person is valued and worthy of respect and dignity, regardless of their background, beliefs, or actions. This message should impact how we treat everyone, inspiring us to extend the same love and grace to others that has been extended to us.
When we truly understand the depth of Christ's sacrifice, it should transform the way we think and act towards others. We should strive to see each person as a beloved child of God and treat them with kindness, compassion, and respect. This means that we should actively work to break down barriers of prejudice, hatred, and discrimination, and instead build bridges of understanding and unity.
Moreover, the gospel calls us to a life of service and selflessness, putting the needs of others before our own. This means that we should seek to serve and help those in need, regardless of who they are, just as Christ came to serve and not to be served.
In conclusion, the gospel should have a profound impact on how we treat others, inspiring us to love and serve all people as Jesus loved and served us.
This is one of those things I don’t understand. In the OT, tithe was used three ways. One was a poor tithe, as outlined in Deuteronomy 26:12-13. Of course God wants the poor to be cared for, they’re His children too.
So what makes the SDA church hierarchy the "storehouse" of Malachi 3:10? It’s clearly talking about the poor tithe, if you read the context of Malachi 3:5.
I know somebody is ready to point out that EGW quote about tithe not being a poor fund. The problem is, the church always says its tithe policy is Biblical, so EGW doesn’t count.
What is the *Biblical* reason to consider the church conferences the storehouse, and not use tithe to sometimes support the poor? It’s exactly how it was used in the Old Covenant (which we’re not supposed to be under, but again, that doesn’t stop preachers from using Malachi 3:10 at the drop of a hat).
For the record: I’m not asking just to complain, or to tell you not to pay tithe. It matters to me because 2 Corinthians 9:7 says God loves a cheerful giver.
It is HARD to be cheerful about putting so much money into church administration for seemingly little benefit (we don’t even get a pastor). It’s even harder when I see all the local ministry opportunities that we pass up, because even our "free will" offerings to go the conferences and unions and big church-related ministries (you know the ones).
And it’s hardest when I feel terrible about it, but all my mind hears are guilt trips for having the audacity to ask these questions. I feel guilty just typing this out, to be honest with you.
I appreciate your concern, Mitch. For starters, it helps to realize that the Hebrew people returned one tithe to support the Levites and the sanctuary services. However, when they followed God's directive, the Hebrew people also returned a second tithe, *and* they gave offerings as well. That meant that they devoted about one third of their "increase," which we now call "income" to the work of God.
In his post, "Tithing – A Hebrew Perspective," Maurice Ashton took the time to explain how the first and second tithe was returned and how it was used. Note:
Please read the rest of the post to see how these tithes were used.
I believe you will find a great blessing if you will choose to view the tithe as a "thank-you" token to God for giving you the power to have an income, rather than seeing it as a business transaction for which you expect to get a return. (When you write, that "It is HARD to be cheerful about putting so much money into church administration for seemingly little benefit (we don’t even get a pastor)," it looks as though you are currently viewing your tithes and offerings as payments for which you expect to see value.)
How efficient and dedicated do you supposed the priests and Levites were in the time of Christ? Do you suppose they used the tithes and offerings as God intended? I really don't think so, because it appears to me that they whole system was corrupt in Christ's time. Yet Christ commended the widow who put all she owned into the offering box in the temple. She was giving to God, and God in Christ recognized the value of her gift and commended her for it. And I'm quite sure He looked after her and made sure she experienced the blessing she intended.
The first tithe is not ours to begin with. We "return" it, because God claims it as His, and thus, it needs to go the the "storehouse" on this earth. If we believe that the Seventh-day Adventist church, enfeebled and defective though it is, is God's last church, then our tithes need to be returned to that storehouse.
If we want to follow the biblical example of the second tithe, then we have some discretion of where to put that, since we do not have the specific organizational structure as the Hebrews had. Part of this may be set aside as a fund for the poor - both personally and by the local church and/or world church - think ADRA. Another part might be set aside to attend larger church gatherings, such as camp meetings or even the General Conference.
At some point it becomes irrelevant whether we call the second tithe a "tithe" or offerings. (In our church we don't usually call this "tithe.") Note, that in the Hebrew system, offering were in *addition* to the two tithes. In our day, this might include building projects, support for various ministries, etc. Where to put our second tithe and offerings is left up to us.
Note that the local church is not supported by what we call "tithe" (or the Hebrew first tithe). If we want the water, the heat and the lights to stay on in our local church, we need to contribute money to make it happen. If we want the building to be attractive and if we want to have literature to share and Sabbath School lessons to distribute, we need to support our local church.
As a family we have made it a practice to return a second tithe for the last 55 years, and we have found that we can never outgive the Lord. You need to "prove" the Lord for yourself on this matter. This set of lessons (and Maurice's post on the Hebrew practice) has moved me to think that we need to move beyond the second tithe. From past experience, I expect to see no loss, though there may be come financial sacrifice. The Lord is always good!!
As a human being, I am not better than anyone else. The sense of collectivism and social responsibility permeates all Scriptures. Jesus gave the best example of where my efforts should be focus on. "Nobody is an island" is a very known expression, meaning that I need my neighbor and his social surroundings too, etc.
What is the purpose of living only for myself? Sure I need to support my immediate family, but charity outside this circle must be practised too. Besides, helping those in need gives back a joy and satisfaction that nothing else does.
May we receive what we lack today, to be able to share and meet our neighbor's necessities with gladness.
"As a human being, I am not better than anyone else. The sense of collectivism and social responsibility permeates all Scriptures. Jesus gave the best example of where my efforts should be focus on."
If it is specified that VOLUNTARY EXERCISE of "collectivism and social responsibility permeates all scripture," I agree with you brother JC Zielak.
If on the other hand you are entertaining the idea of governmental enforcement of collectivism and social responsibility with the loss of freedom and liberty, that government enforcement would naturally result in, I no longer agree that it is Biblical.
“3. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4. Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.” (Act 5:3-4, KJV)
It appears to me that as a church whenever we speak about helping the unfortunate, the poor the needy, the sick, we only consider our physical resources – our money, our time, our medical facilities, our qualified therapists, etc. Do not have any Spiritual resources at our disposal? Cannot we not help persons in some way that defies logic and glorifies God. As a little child might ask, do we not have any power to work miracles in behalf of those who are in need any more?
As the lesson pointed out on Monday, when John the Baptist sent messengers asking Jesus whether he was the Messiah, Jesus highlighted the evidence: “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” Matthew 11:2-5 These were life-changing for those who were the beneficiaries. Yet Jesus did all of this without raising funds, and calling on some qualified professional to intervene. The results He achieved were not through various social programs but with the power of God.
On the same occasion when Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, Jesus gave the assurance: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” John 14:12. So, my question is, where is the evidence of these greater works?
I am reminded of the story in Acts Chapter 3, when a beggar, lame from his mother’s womb, asked for alms from Peter and John. He expected to receive money, but he got much more that he asked for. Peter said, “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” The Bible says he went walking and leaping and praising God.
O for that flame of living fire, which shone so bright in saints of old!
Amen. Thank you for such beautiful insights. We can be personal ministers of revival.
As a mental health and addiction therapist, it feels just like the disciples' journey. Watching Christ heal. From an office into the community. Hourly, the mentally and spiritually sick come. And I get to watch the power of my Father heal in these sacred spaces.
My co-workers (our center is provided by a local Lutheran church) are just as spiritual as I, and I feel that I work among angels. We're united in this work and daily, we get to bring what little bread and fish we have and place it in the hands of the miracle-working, Lifegiving Master, and watch Him do what He does. And we go home empty. Physically and mentally exhausted. Because we've given all we had for God. And then He fills and equips us for another day.
He's a healer, y'all. And we get to watch him. We never know quite how He will do it. He sometimes does it quickly. Sometimes slowly. We just NEVER know how the Holy Spirit of the Living God will bless and touch lives. I just welcome Him there in the room. At the beginning of the day. Often, while I'm listening to clients speak. And then I share my miniscule rags.
I recently met a 16 year old female in December, who said twice that month that she wanted to commit suicide. Her father had abused her mother all of my client's 16 years. When her mother left the abusive situation, my client's father completely abandoned her, as well. This child was devastated, feeling worthless and unloved. And she wanted her life to end. She had to be hospitalized when she was 14. And again, we had to get her to the local hospital's stress unit (or psych unit) in December.
A little background: this is my first time seeing a teenager. I had one other 8 year old client who had Down Syndrome. But otherwise, I've only had adult clients. So, I guarantee you that I am not relevant in this story - except that I'm a vessel, yearning to be used by our beautiful Savior. Also, I'm an African American therapist who lives and practices in a small rural town, where out of 600 clients I've seen, less than 10 have been African American. Most are Caucasian. And the reality of our days and times and perspectives in America is that African Americans never know how we or our practice will be received. The truth is, though, I couldn't care less about race. I truly don't worry about how I'm received. This is God's work. If there is someone I might help, I help. Should anyone walk away, I wish them God's blessing. Because it's really NOT about us. It's not about our education. Or our ability. All we have to offer are filthy rags. And we're not responsible for the outcome of the Holy Spirit's work. Truly, race is a distraction the enemy uses in our world. But that's a discussion for a different day. And not a one of my clients has. Because they don't see me. They see Jesus. And He's a Healer.
I share the fact that my client is Caucasian and I'm African American because my client actually had two terrible experiences with African American male strangers and is frightened of them. So, here's God... she appears in the office of the only African American therapist in town. God is in the details of our lives. And He's a thorough healer.
My client's mother is a woman of faith and shares her faith with her daughter consistently. She offers her children a choice to go to church with her, but they decline. She wants them to make a decision on their own. (Can't say that I agree with that path, but it's hers). The day I met her daughter, we had a joint session with her prior therapist - who was leaving our practice and I was now going to see her. She told the former therapist with a smile (in my silent presence), "My mother thinks Jesus is the answer to EVERYTHING! I'm so sick of hearing that! Jesus isn't the answer to EVERY thing!" That same night, she had to be taken back to the stress unit. I wondered about her over the Christmas holiday, and checked in by phone with her mother.
Here's God, our Healer: I saw her again the first week in January. I was thankful she had survived the holidays. That session, I was intending on identifying other ways of coping vs. threatening suicide, as it was evident that she wasn't truly considering killing herself. She just wanted to know that someone cared whether she is living or not. But the Holy Spirit had other plans. For the first time, she brought her art sketch pad in. She is an AMAZING artist! She walked me through her drawings and described her interpretations. Instead of having the conversation about coping, we thumbed through her beautiful artwork. By the end of the session, I had explained that the journey of life is long. And it seldom ends as it begins. That we all have moments that we feel down. That I felt much like her when I was her age. That every path has disappointment. And suffering. But that life changes. There is light. And I couldn't help noting (multiple times) that she has an amazing gift! And how with suffering, we also get gifts. How to see life with balance. Seeing our blessings as well. By the end of the session, I frankly told her that her mother is actually right. Jesus IS the answer to every thing. But she can't see it yet. And she won't understand it now. I told her that although there will be challenges in life, there are also blessings. That she's been given a gift that she gets to touch the world with. I have no idea how. But that's what gifts are for (helping her to feel a sense of purpose). And I told her that the enemy would love for her to short-circuit God's plan for her life, and for her gift. We closed the session with a hug and I told her, "Girl, you have too much in you to consider suicide. Don't even consider such a thing." She said okay.
A week or so later, she came in and described feeling "good." She had cleaned her mother's home (quite thoroughly - "even the oven") as a surprise and couldn't wait for her mother to come home from work and see it. We talked a bit about life and a bit about God. At the end of the session, we hugged and as we walked out, she stopped me and said, "Do you know what I'm going to do for my Mom when I get home?" I guessed, "Show her how well you've cleaned the house?" She said, "No. I'm going to ask if she'll read the Bible with me." My heart melted. It was the end of my day when that child left my office, around 5:15 p.m. I just broke down in prayer, glorifying our great God who is a healer. I had chills. Just watching the Holy Spirit move. I always do.
Since then, she has been cheerful each week. She calls it "chill." Despite challenges she still faces. Ah, Jesus is still healing today.
Yesterday, she floored me and brought a card that said that I'm the greatest therapist in the world. And wrote how much she loves me. She gave me chocolates, a gift card to a coffee house and a rose. Her mother told me that my client really wanted to do something special for me. On the card and gift card, she wrote "Thank you."
I am in tears writing this because... well, I'm not the Healer. I AM THANKING HIM. I'm by far not the greatest therapist. She has no idea she's my first teenage client. And I really have no idea really how to clinically treat children. Now, I've learned that it's the same as adults. Teaching principles of cognitive restructuring. I'm tearful because, as I told my co-worker as we got in our cars to leave work last night, "We get to be the hands and feet of Jesus. And witness, like the disciples, our God heal people all day." What an absolute honor.
I share this to say: we don't have to be therapists. Or pastors. Or teachers. Our abilities to share don't really matter. Because we can't heal. Our hearts in His hands alone allows us to be the hands and feet of Jesus, sharing God's provision for the poor. In heart. In funds. In spirit.
Thank you for sharing this. How great is our God who works miracles through those who love him. I also understand that it isn't me but God in Jesus name who performs many wonders. I find the greatest miracle that he gives is a pure communication with him so that we can know what he wants us to assist Him in doing His works for the salvation of others. I praise Him for the works He does through you. As He often does for me, I pray that He will pour out upon you His anointing oil of His Grace and and Love.
Thank you, Celeste. Yes, what an honor, or as you say, 'the greatest miracle' to communicate with Him. Ah, I am so humbled. Because if not for His grace and Spirit, we don't get to. I also pray His blessings on your life, heart and ministry. Thank you for sharing.
Sharon, thank you so much for sharing your experience! This is the type of sharing that builds community, and it can inspire all of us to lean more on Jesus!
May God continue to bless you as you lean on Him in your everyday work and life!
Thank you, Inge. I have been so blessed by your heart and ways that you share. I am so grateful for this spiritual community. I love that you used that word - community. I just realized how much this feels like home. I so look forward to our comments and the inspiration we share. Bless your hearts for all you do to unite us in fellowship.
What a wonderful example of compassion. Thank you for sharing. It is both affirming and challenging. There is no such thing as armchair Christianity.
How small these words seem: you're welcome. Because I proclaim 'thank you' to you a thousand-fold. Your near-daily insights - which are truly inspired, have become a significant part of my Bible study. As I wrote to Inge, I feel like we're truly united in Christ, a community of believers edifying one another. Thank you for the knowledge, encouragement and hope you consistently share. It is true: we may be quite surprised how many hearts we have touched until in heaven we hear a litany of thank yous. I share mine now. Thank you. Bless you. I thank us all. May He bless us all.
The author states:
The social evolution movement was fairly active in the early 1900s and was a worldwide phenomenon. It was the precursor to fascism and it lead to the popular pseudoscience known as eugenics in the USA. It was also the motivation behind restrictive immigration policies (White-Australia policy), some of which are still in operation today.
I don't have the time to detail the philosophical background to all of this, but it is worth knowing that the idea of social evolution was a powerful political influence on the world. Even today there are still those who want to ignore the moral code because it is anti-evolutionary.
I have to add the observation that I have repeated several times in this forum, There are many evolutionists who accept the idea of a moral compass largely similar to our Christian perspective. Some of my atheistic friends put me to shame with their altruism. (just a warning to not use stereotypes to judge people)